By-election called as councillor steps down

Shelagh Parkinson

Blackpool’s youngest councillor has stepped down from his seat prompting a by-election in the town next month.

Labour’s Chris Maughan, 24, has resigned from his role in order to take up full-time work in the East Midlands.

A by-election has been called for Thursday September 26 in Highfield ward, which Mr Maughan had represented since he was elected in May 2011.

The move also creates a vacancy on the council’s executive as he had been cabinet member for young people.

Mr Maughan was 21 and still a chemistry student at York University when he won his seat.

His new job will see him work as political assistant to the Labour group on Leicestershire County Council.

He said: “My role on Blackpool Council has been fantastic and I have really enjoyed the last two-and-a-half years.

“But I have been applying for jobs since Christmas and this opportunity came up to be involved in local government and with the Labour party.

“I am still at the beginning of my career and when an opportunity like this comes along, I have to take it.

“A lot of the other councillors have said they are sad I am going, but on a personal level they are pleased to see me get this chance.

“It was a bit of a shock ti me when I was elected at such a young age, and then to be told I was chairman of the scrutiny committee. But that gave me an overview of how the council works which was great.

“And then I was delighted to take over as cabinet member for young people.